Description: The A-50, Mainstay NATO codename, is an Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft derived from the Il-76MD military transport aircraft. The radar antenna is mounted on the Il-76 fuselage like the NATO E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. The A-50 is intended to detect and identify airborne and sea objects determining its position, bearing and speed. The objects data collected by the A-50 aircraft is transferred to command centers. In addition, this AWACS aircraft is able to direct aircraft to engage airborne and surface targets. The Soviet Union built around 40 such aircraft in the 1980s with no more than 20 remaining in active service with the Russian Air Force by late 2008. The A-50 maiden flight was carried out in 1978 entering service in 1982.

The A-50 is considered as the Soviet counterpart to the proven E-3 Sentry aircraft. However, Western Intelligence alleges that the Russian/Soviet aircraft is not that much sophisticated than the E-3 AWACS. It is powered by four D-30KP engines rated at 26,500-lb each. A crew of 10-man is required to manage the whole airborne warning system, while the A-50 aircraft only requires a flight crew of five-man. These aircraft are equipped with the Shmel radar system with a maximum detection range of 800 kilometers against missile launches and 300 kilometers against fighter sized targets. It can track up to 200 targets while directing interceptors against 30 targets simultaneously.

The A-50E is the export version and has been sold to China and India. India purchased three A-50EI AWACS which are equipped with the Phalcon radar antenna provided by Israel. The Indian Air Force aircraft are due for delivery beginning from 2009 onwards. The A-50M is a modernized version being carried out by Vega Radio Engineering Corp for the Russian Air Force. Vega is replacing outdated analogue equipment with state-of-the-art digital electronic systems. The A-50M also features aerial refueling equipment and electronic warfare systems. In September 2008, the Russian Air Force started the testing phase for the A-50M aircraft. The basic A-50 has a range of 7,500 km and can remain airborne without refueling for 9.3 hours.